Daniel John Matkovich

Daniel John Matkovich, 17, a student, went to be with the Lord Saturday, August 28, 2004 in Weatherford.Funeral: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Ashcreek Baptist Church. Burial: Azleland. Visitation: 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at White's Azle Funeral Home. Daniel, affectionately known as D-John, loved his life, skate boarding, fishing, his music, and especially inner tubing on the boat. He was taught early to enjoy the outdoors and went camping often. Daniel made friends easily and everyone wanted to "hang" with him. He has friends everywhere, mostly in Mansfield, Springtown, Azle, and Garland. Daniel was to graduate this year from Springtown and was enlisted in the US Air Force. He excelled in school and was given the Presidential Academic Award. Daniel was a member of Silver Creek Baptist Church and was baptized in 1996. He was a beautiful boy. We cannot say enough the pain we are feeling for the loss of Daniel. He will be missed so much, but never forgotten. I know he is protected in heaven and will watch over us all. Mommy says she loves you Daniel. Daniel was preceeded in death by maternal grandfathers, Everett Steakley in 1989, and Alton Casey in 1999; paternal grandfather, Michael Joseph Matkovich; brother Derrick in 1989; and great-grandfather, Clyde Simmons.Survivors: Mother and stepfather, Patty and John Casey of Mansfield; father and stepmother, David and Barbara Matkovich of Weatherford; brothers, Jonathan Matkovich, Justin Hamilton, Dylan Matkovich, Mark Matkovich, all of Weatherford, and Zachary Casey of Mansfield; maternal grandparents, Bob and Dot Dehn of Richmond, MO; paternal grandmothers, Mary J Casey of Burleson, and Marilyn Casey of Keller; great-grandmothers, Thelma Farmer of Richmond, MO, Lovetta Vaught of Burleson; paternal grandparents, Barbara and Randy Clark of Palm Bay, FL, Earl and Sylvia Burtram of Azle, and Brenda McGill of Joshua, great-grandmother, Eloise Simmons of Joshua; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.